Goblin's Books:

Ultimate Spider-Man #121

I'm a little surprised there wasn't some sort of Gwen/Goblin redux in this issue given the events of Amazing Spider-Man #121. But given that we just had a return of the Goblin not too long ago, I can certainly understand it. instead, this issue is something of a stand-alone story (though it focuses on the ongoing arc of Peter-MJ-Kitty) featuring Mega Red as the villain. It's a funy scenario as the Russian mutant attacks Jameson at the Bugle, but Jonah has no clue who Omega Red is. Is it the most cloever dvice in fiction? No, of course not. But it still works given Omega Red's previous appearance some time ago. And even if the battle is just filler, the storyline featuring the love triangle is so engrossing it doesn't matter what else is in the book. Liz Allen leaving for Xavier's last issue only makes things worse ... which does not bode well given the teaser for next issue is "the worst day of Peter Parker's life."

The writing is back to hitting those highs it used to and Stuart Immonen is not only a tremendously talented artist but he is a perfect fit for the book. As sad as I was to see Bagely move on from the awe-inspiring run, Immonen is the perfect choice for a replacement. If you've drifted away from this book, come back and give it a shot. You won't be sorry.

Buy It

Uncanny X-Men #497

The march to #500 continues. In another split book, Scott and Emma try to find the culprit behind the hippie-ization of San Francisco while Logan, Kurt and Piotr are attacked en route back home. Seems the Red Room (of Black Widow fame) wants to know why the X-Men survived M-Day but none of Mother Russia's mutants did. In the hands of Brubaker, I am infinitely more jazzed about the Russian storyline as it writes to his strengths as a realistic writer. The hippie stuff with the uber-psi is cute and all, but it does nothing for me. It's pointless (or it so far, anyway). The other storyline is an intriguing aspect to the M Day arc as it stands to reason a government agency would want to know why some mutants survived and others didn't (assuming they can't figure out that Wolverine sells 50 books a month and Darkstar does not).

Mike Choi's art is delicious as ever even if it is a little static. Once the man learns to give his artwork some more flow he'll be a heavy hitter in the art field. And let me just admit now that this Marvel Zombie is quite appreciative to have a fight scene where Logan fights in is boxers. Okay, shallow geek moment over .. or is it?!

Browse It

Thor #8

And thus we see the formation of the ongoing plot. I've wondered since issue one just what the ongoing storyline was going to be for this book. Thor cold only go on rescuing his fallen brethren for so long - especially when he picks up two or three at a time! In this issue, Donald Blake (separated from Thor who's gone into the Odinsleep - or Thorsleep, I suppose) goes to see Jane Foster, his love interest from Thor's original run in the 1960s. Only problem is that he's got a question that isn't quite as social as Jane was hoping. On the other side of the reality wall, Thor meets up with the erstwhile dead Odin as the All Father lets loose a history lesson on his son. We see Loki's adoption and just why he was always trying to bring about Ragnarok.

The book can be slow at times, but the pace is starting to pick up. We seem to have gotten the set up out of the way and are moving into the bigger picture now. I'm not saying that I'm looking for more action per se (though there is a pretty badass throwdown between Odin, Thor and Surtur in death's realm), but I'm glad we're getting some forward momentum now. I believe we've seen the series' villain and I'm glad to see the face. The ace up their sleeve is even more interesting and promises one HELL of a beating once Thor finds out. Kudos to JMS for keeping it hidden and genuinely surprising me with it. If you've been waiting for a reason to pick up Thor, #9 should be a great jumping on point for the real beginning of the series, but be smart and grab this #8 so you see the set up for what's come.

Buy It

Jono's Books:

Countdown to Final Crisis #1

And so we reach the concluding chapter of DC's unsuccessful weekly experiment. And how does it all end? Well...not very well actually. In fact, it's downright uninspiring and clichéd, but what else have we come to expect from this series? At least fans are assured that Piper is not really dead and that Jason Todd is back to being a jerk. We also are also witness to one of the worst bits of dialogue in comic history when Donna Troy asks "Who monitors the monitors?" Sorry Donna, emulation does not add a layer of depth to your question. Not only that but we finally reach the core of the story with the nonsensical idea that Donna Troy, Kyle Rayner, Forager, and Ray Palmer will be acting as police to the monitor. Seriously guys, you couldn't have reached this conclusion, I dunno, 50 issues ago? Oh and there's also some more OMAC stuff as we find out that Brother Eye is back. It's some pretty disappointing closure for a disappointing series.

Burn It (along with issues #51-#2...just pretend they never existed and save your money for Trinity)

The Mighty Avengers #12

After the events of the most recent Secret War, Nick Fury went MIA for a few months (in Marvel time) and this issue reveals some of the things that occurred during that time. This being a Secret Invasion tie-in, the plot includes Skrulls and trust. However, as far as tie-ins go, I really can't recommend this one. Little happens in terms of plot and I actually wasn't missing Nick Fury and having him back just makes him feel like Tony Stark II. The last spread was mildly interesting, so it could improve with the next issue. But for now, save your money and just browse this one.

Browse It

The Amazing Spider-Man #557

I've come to accept that Amazing Spider-Man will remain mediocre for a while and the only impetus for me in buying this series is disappearing after this issue. Artist Chris Bachalo will be gone next issue (replaced by Barry Kitson) and so will I. This recent story was ok...but it was very forgettable. I really wish Marvel would reconsider their stance on Spider-Man and bring back the gravitas that the title used to have because this care-free, hot-head Peter is just not working for me. The relevancy and poignancy of this title has never seemed so questionable.

Skip It

Ms. Marvel #26

I normally don't pick up this title so imagine my surprise when I found a really funny and enjoyable story. Ms. Marvel, despite its serious Secret Invasion overtones, managed to make me genuinely laugh with hilarious lines like: "Shut the $#@* up, ya skrull!" and "now tell me how hard it is to resist my sexy robot body." This Secret Invasion tie-in is actually worth your money because of its humor and its relevancy to the summer event.

Buy it

Death of the New Gods #8

What's going on? No, really. This is the most boring, incomprehensible thing that I have ever read. Half the issue is spent with Darkseid and the Source putzing about and spouting off some heavy esoteric and silly dialogue. Meanwhile, Superman does nothing at all except get beaten up a lot. By far the most painful thing that I have read this year.

Burn It. Murder It. Stash it on some spaceship and send it to another planet.

Birds of Prey #117

Oh happy day! The exposition is over. The birds have officially flown the coop to settle down in Platinum Flats. No longer will they be working in Batman's neck of the woods. The Watchtower will be missed but the playground they now serve and protect is their own.

This development isn't the only one that should have a positive effect on the storytelling in the DC Universe. Manhunter finds herself the victim of a mind attack. The reader isn't sure what the terror she is forced to see in her minds eye is and that mystery would seem to serve well for Manhunter's return to a solo title. Hopefully this ball isn't dropped when Manhunter hits store shelves in June.

These two plot points, and the creative avenues they should open, made this issue worth it. What didn't make the issue was the convenient arrival of Huntress and Zinda to rescue Misfit and Manhunter. It made things feel forced and very rushed. What also didn't work was the often-repeated plot device of Oracle going up against computer hackers. Guiding the team is one thing but there must be a more interesting way for Oracle to have obstacles of her own. The character has been shown time and again as one not limited by the wheelchair she is forced to move around in and yet, other than training sessions, it feels that lately she is being written as limited. It's time to bring the fire back to Oracle's skills within the team instead of being spooked by a giant hand reaching out from her computer.

As for the art in the issue, it is vibrant and the interpretations of Zinda and Oracle are especially good. What didn't work was the art for Diamond. Someone should have pointed out that Emma Frost is a Marvel character and not a flunky for some crime boss in Platinum Flats. Granted it's a minor character but it was a huge distraction.

Overall this issue is worth the read because it appears to be bringing the team out of the darkness and into the light. The new path has been set and now the real fun can begin.

Read it.

Sgt. Sausagepant's Books

Mighty Avengers #12 (Second take)

This issue of Mighty Avengers takes us back a bit, to show us what Nick Fury has been doing since his ill-fated secret war. More importantly, it shows his first encounter with the Skrull invaders. Turns out he's sneakier than they are. And from the looks of it, he may be mankinds best hope. I find the last page of this issue rather interesting, no so much because of what it shows, but whom it shows twice. With the amount of planning that went into the entire Secret Invasion thing, I can't think it's a mistake.

Buy It

Justice League of America #20

Flash and Wonder Woman take on Queen Bee, told mostly from Flashes perspective this issue. Again we are completely avoiding the entire 'missing villains' arc, but we get some cool superspeed heroics. I'll be glad when the big crisis event hits and they can start moving the larger plot forward however.

Read it.

Hulk #3

Who is this mysterious Red Hulk? Whoever he is, he's kicking a lot of ass, and that's saying a lot, considering how amazing the last few Hulk story arcs have been. I have my guesses as to who it might be, but they aren't revealing anything yet. Whoever it is hates gamma-powered folks, though.

Read It.

Secret History of the Authority. Jack Hawksmoor #2

My favorite part of Hawksmoor's powers is how cities are independent entities to him. How they each have a personality. San Francisco has a bit of a rebellious streak, it would seem. So the detective story continues and we watch the mystery unfold.

Read it.